POUGHKEEPSIE – Hud-son Valley Economic Development Corp. (HVEDC) President and CEO Michael Oates has been named to the New York State Tourism Advisory Council, giving him a key role in helping to shape policies, programs and legislation that foster tourism and travel in the state.

Appointed by Gov. Kathy Hochul, Oates began his term in June 2024.

“I am thrilled to serve on such an important council, and I thank Gov. Hochul for this opportunity,” said Oates. “The Hudson Valley and New York State have so much to do and see for everyone. It will be a pleasure to help enhance opportunities for visitors and residents alike to easily discover and enjoy the vibrant, diverse sights and activities they love most. Tourism is also a powerful driver of our economy; enhancing it fuels how New York State continues to thrive.” 

Oates has led the HVEDC since 2018, as well as from 2008 to 2013. In this role, he has been instrumental in:

• The development of iPark 87 on the former campus of IBM and later, TechCity in Kingston.

• The development of Bellefield at Historic Hyde Park, a hospitality, residential and culinary tourism destination in Dutchess County.

• The creation of the Hudson Valley Advanced Manufacturing Center, a 3D printing center at SUNY New Paltz.

• The creation of BioInc, an incubator for biotechnology entities at New York Medical College’s Valhalla campus.

Oates also serves as Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors for Abilities First, which provides educational programs and services for people with developmental disabilities, and is on the Board of Directors for Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress, a nonprofit organization that focuses on smart development and regional growth. Oates also was selected for City and State magazine’s 2023 Top 100 Economic Development Power List.

Previously, Oates served as CEO for the small-business investment fund Hudson River Ventures, as managing partner of Bellefield Development Partners and vice president of the Empire State Economic Development Corp.

The 18-member Tourism Advisory Council’s multiple duties include: 

• advising the commissioner of Empire State Development, New York’s economic development agency, on policies and programs aimed at promoting a thriving tourism industry; 

• advising on the promotion and development of tourism and travel facilities; 

• developing and implementing the state’s tourism marketing and business development program, including long-range strategies for attracting tourists; 

• recommending legislation that promotes tourism and travel; and 

• identifying existing laws and regulations that hinder tourism.